In achieving Australia’s first ever WELL Core & Shell Precertification at the Gold level by the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI™), the design of a new state-of-the-art commercial office building in Sydney’s CBD has put the wellbeing of building occupants first and foremost.

Managed by the International WELL Building Institute™ (IWBI™), the WELL Building Standard™ considers seven aspects of a building’s design and their impact on the health and wellbeing of its occupants.

And by putting people first, Investa’s new Barrack Place commercial office building in Sydney has been awarded Australia’s first ever WELL Core and Shell Precertification at the Gold level, with the project on track to achieving Gold WELL Core and Shell certification once completed.

Currently under construction at 151 Clarence Street, Barrack Place will offer 22,000 square metres of state-of-the-art A-grade commercial office space, over 18-levels, to become the most advanced building in its class in Sydney.

Appointed by the project’s Main Works Contractor, Built, in a D&C role, A.G. Coombs is currently delivering the building’s mechanical and HVAC services utilising a number of innovative installation techniques.

Among them is the use of BIM and 3D modelling to support the design and construction process. The level of BIM on this project is high with very detailed modelling and COBie* requirements to support not only the design and construction process but also ongoing facility management and maintenance. Also significant is the “BIM to field” approach which requires very exacting levels of installation accuracy to match the detailed 3D model. A.G. Coombs is delivering these outcomes using proven BIM to laser set out methods including the use of precast positioned ferules for services hangers and supports.

All mechanical services and HVAC systems have been designed to complement the requirements of the Gold WELL certification, with the project’s 5 star Green Star and 5 star NABERS Energy rating targets.

The podium levels of Barrack Place, to be tenanted by ARUP, will be served by an energy efficient underfloor air distribution (UFAD) system while the 11 levels above will be conditioned by a low temperature, variable air volume (VAV) system.

Each system will feature a number of specialist air filtration devices, including MERV 13/ F7 filters to remove airborne contaminants and particulate matter, a provision for carbon filtration and the use of ultraviolet (UV) lights in air handling units (AHUs) to reduce odours and provide microbial control in the cooling coil. This high level of filtration will help deliver an outstanding indoor environment quality (IEQ) to tenants and occupants of Barrack Place.

The A.G. Coombs’ design has also overcome some of the USA-centric standards applied within the WELL certification, as well as the incompatibilities that exist between the three rating systems being targeted. For example, the requirement of high level air filtration has resulted in an increase in size of AHUs and a corresponding fan energy penalty, with energy savings being found elsewhere.

A.G. Coombs is also employing specialist methods during construction to ensure all ductwork and air distribution requirements remain clean and free of contaminants prior to the system being commissioned, as required by the WELL certification. Barrack Place is set for completion in late 2018.

A.G. Coombs have brought a high level of innovation to Barrack Place with their advanced use of BIM, which mirrors the project’s aim of being the most advanced building of its class in Sydney.Ben Milner, Project Manager, Built

* Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) is an international standard relating to managed asset information including space and equipment.